Steelers Have An Absurd Advantage With The Way They Scout Talent: 'Pride In Finding People In The Bottom Of The Draft'

Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Ike Taylor has been actively assisting the team with pre-draft scouting for the past two years, providing invaluable support to the organization. Maintaining his involvement with the Steelers is a source of pride, as Taylor's expertise adds significant value to the team's operations.

Taylor's dedication to scouting has taken him far and wide, with extensive travel and meticulous player evaluations leading up to the draft. Despite the demanding schedule, Taylor humorously admitted that his only regret is not getting enough sleep, a testament to his tireless commitment to the task at hand.

In recognizing the Steelers' esteemed legacy, Taylor expressed admiration for key figures within the scouting department, singling out individuals such as Mark Sadowski, Kelvin Fisher, and Dan Colbert Jr. On a recent episode of the Bleav in Steelers podcast, Taylor went into why he believes the Steelers boast the premier scouting department in the league, shedding light on their unparalleled expertise and dedication to excellence.

"I feel like we got some of the best scouts. I feel like Kelvin Fisher is one of the best scouts in the world and I'm glad he's in the building. I feel like [Mark Sadowski] is one of the best scouts in the world, glad he's in the building. I feel like Dan Colbert Jr. is one of the best scouts in the world and he's in our building," Taylor said.

According to Taylor, Colbert, the son of former Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert, has significantly enhanced the scouting room with his exceptional work. However, Taylor made sure to highlight the longstanding scout that is at the top. 

"Kelvin's like the OG, Kelvin Fisher, he got an eye. He got an eye. His eval be on point. Whether you like, he don't care about the popular opinion. [Sadowski]'s been around a long time, went to Tulane with Omar [Khan], been around with the Saints, Chicago. [Sadowski] has a lot of unpopular people he like too, he's been doing it for a long time." 

Fisher earned considerable praise from Taylor for his talent in uncovering hidden gems in the later stages of the draft. Taylor also praised him for his ability to form his own opinion and stand on what he believes. 

“I can go down the whole line, but them three I just named. They all bring a different style to the table. Fish man, I’m just going to give him his props. Fish is that dude in the scouting world. Fish takes pride in finding people in the bottom of the draft.”

Taylor wanted to shine a spotlight on Fisher, emphasizing his knack for uncovering hidden gems buried deep in the draft pool. He underscored that it's not solely Fisher's effort but the collective work of the entire scouting team, generating an infectious energy and positive vibe throughout the process.

While the Steelers have faced challenges with their drafts in the past, the 2023 draft marked a turning point with notable improvements. Picks like Joey Porter Jr. and Broderick Jones showcased promise, signaling positive long-term hopes. 

Moreover, even in the later rounds, the team demonstrated astute selections, maximizing the value of their lower-ranked picks. Players such as Spencer Anderson and Cory Trice Jr., though still requiring development, have exhibited potential despite being seventh-round selections. This narrative underscores Taylor's point about Fisher's adeptness in identifying hidden talent, solidifying his role as a key asset in the scouting process.

Steelers’ 2024 Draft Will Need Some Magic

Building on the momentum gained from the 2023 draft, the Steelers enter the 2024 draft with significant needs across several key positions. Priority areas include center, wide receiver, offensive line—particularly another tackle—along with potential considerations for cornerback and bolstering the defensive line.

With a plethora of needs to address and ample draft picks at their disposal, the Steelers have a unique opportunity to craft a draft class that could be truly exceptional. A successful draft in 2024 would not only address immediate gaps but also set a promising tone for the future of football in Pittsburgh, further fueling excitement among fans and stakeholders alike.